Here are six tweaks you can use to increase your freelance website conversion:

1. Use a professional, clean header.

Your header is the first thing a potential client will see when they land on your website. For that reason, it needs to make a great impression. To do so, keep it clean and simple and use your header to capture your visitor’s attention.

A header should also deliver a certain amount of information to make the visitor sure they’re in the right place. A professional header typically consists of your business name (or your name if you’re a solo-freelancer), your logo (if you have one), and an attention grabbing graphic, image, or something else to draw the visitor in.

Here’s a great example:

See how they kept it clean and simple, but also fun and interesting? Plus, they get bonus points for having a clear message right up front.

Here’s another header example:

This one takes a clean, simple approach and leaves the attention-grabbing up to the rest of the page:

When designing or critiquing your header, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Clutter in the header is distracting and confusing.

A header that’s “in style” will make your site appear more up-to-date. (Flat graphics are very popular right now.)

Your header should capture attention to draw the visitor into your site.

When it comes to freelance website conversion, your headline is the next most important thing on your site. After all, most folks will read your headline, but very few will read more.

If your home page is a static page, your headline can be at the top – just under your header and navigation.

If you have your most current blog posts as your home page, you can add a headline – summarizes what you do for your visitors – in your header.

Note: If your main goal is to capture leads and/or get someone to hire you from your website, make that clear right up front. Explain, “What’s in it for them?” and ask them to take the action you want.

Of course, to get more people to read on, write a better headline. Your headline should capture the visitor’s attention, draw them in, and convince them to keep reading. If you need help, here’s a great article on writing compelling headlines.

3. Keep your navigation clear and simple.

For your site navigation, it’s important to use words that website visitors are familiar with seeing. Here are some examples:

Say, “About Me,” not, “Get the low-down.”

Say, “Portfolio,” not, “Stuff I did.”

Say, “Contact Me,” or “Hire me,” not, “Hit me up!”

Also, combine any navigation that’s similar to make exploring your site easier for visitors and increase your freelance website conversion. Aim to have 5-7 top-level pages in your navigation. Any more than that and your visitors may be overwhelmed by the options.

Here’s a great example of clean, concise, and easy to follow navigation from SavvyPanda.com:

4. Optimize your home page and copy.

When it comes to your home page, there are many options. In fact, you could be constantly tweaking and testing until you get it just right. Your headline alone could be tested hundreds of times – and I’m not even talking about the style and placement. Just the wording.

That’s why it’s important to follow a few universal tips when you’re first getting started. Then, over time you can test few ideas and suggestions to increase your freelance website conversion.

Here are some suggestions for getting on the right path:

Use easy-to-read fonts. (And, limit yourself to 2 or 3.)

Make the bulk of your text black on white. (White on black is harder to read.)

Make your copy visitor centric. (In other words, tell them how you will help them. Answer their biggest question, “What’s in it for me?”)

Use your copy to speak directly to your target market. (Make sure you know who your target market is before you start writing.)

Remove anything that doesn’t support your overall goal. (For instance, if your goal is to get someone to hire you, don’t run advertisements for another product or service on your site.)

Your home page is also a great place to add some proof – like testimonials with results. If you’re a freelancer and don’t yet have testimonials, use character testimonials for now and replace them as you get real testimonials.

Finally, at the end of your home page, add a call to action. Once someone has read your home page copy, they’re probably ready – and fairly likely – to hire you (or at least request more information). Don’t let them go. Literally ask them to take the next step by saying, “Click here to learn more,” or “Click here to download my guide to …”

5. Streamline your sidebar.

When it comes to a sidebar on your freelance website, you don’t necessarily have to have one – like many of the examples above. However, if you do have a sidebar, make sure everything included in it completely supports your website’s goal to get the best freelance website conversion.

For instance, if you want to capture leads, your sidebar is a great place for a lead generation tool where you give away something of value like a free report. Here’s an example from this site, Bidsketch:

A sidebar is also a great place to feature a testimonial, one of your favorite projects, or credibility establishing logos to further increase your freelance website conversions.

6. Enhance your “other pages.”

When your home page is working hard and sending visitors to your other pages, you’ll want to make sure to optimize those as well. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Use a compelling headline on each page.

Consider using a nice, professional picture of you on your “About” page.

Don’t forget a “Services” page that clearly outlines what you do and how you can help your clients with your skills.

Make sure each page ends with a call to action to continue on. Think of this like a maze – you’re leading your website visitors through each page. If you leave them hanging at the end of any page, they might not finish taking the action you want them to take.

Don’t forget to comment below if you see what makes each example freelance website above strong …

And, of course, if you have any questions about how to increase your freelance website conversions, please join the conversation in the comments below …

About Christina Gillick

Christina Gillick is a Content Marketing Strategist and an award-winning direct-response copywriter. She helps her clients create loyal customers through relationship building copy and content. (She is also the founder of ComfyEarrings.com where she regularly tests her ideas and advice.)

Free Guide: 16 Simple Marketing Tactics to Get More Clients

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